Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center recognizes the 10th anniversary of the National Day of the Horse, December 13, designated “in recognition of the importance of horses to the security, economy, recreation,... read more

Thank you for recommending "". Your recommendation has been successfully processed.

Your Name: * Your Email: *

Friend 1

Name: *Email: *

Orthopedic Pads: Are They Worth It'

No pad can correct serious saddle misfits, and back injuries heal best with rest. However, a pad may make a horse in heavy work more comfortable. Our Western testers rode in the arena, traveled trails on day-long and overnight rides in steep terrain, and did some packing. We took inexperienced riders, weighing up to 260 pounds, out on steep mountain trails. We taught others to ride, posing more challenges for our horses’ backs. Our test horses included chronic back problems, tendencies to get sore, and every shape of back and type of saddle fit.We looked for a pad